First Cheetah Cubs Born as Result of Embryo Transfer – The Southern Maryland Chronicle
Posted: February 26, 2020 at 4:45 pm
News Release, Smithsonian National Zoo
Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and the Columbus Zoo have successfully transferred cheetah embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) to a surrogate cheetah mom for the first time. Two cubs were born Feb. 19 to 3-year-old mom Izzy, though the cubs biological mom is 6 1/2-year-old Kibibi. Cheetahs naturally have low genetic diversity due to near extinction at the end of the last ice age. However, techniques scientists use to boost genetic diversity and health in other endangered and vulnerable species have not had much success in cheetahs. IVF embryo transfer will help scientists and zoos build the most robust and genetically healthy insurance population of cheetahs in human care possible, and potentially could even help the genetics of wild cheetahs.
For the embryo-transfer procedure, scientists collected semen from a male cheetah living at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas in February 2019 and froze it. They then harvested eggs from Kibibi at the Columbus Zoo Nov. 19, 2019, and performed IVF, fertilizing the eggs in a laboratory with the sperm collected in Texas earlier that year. The fertilized embryos were then transferred to Izzys oviduct Nov. 21, 2019. It was only the third time scientists had ever attempted the procedure. Kibibi had never given birth to a cub and is genetically valuable, but she is unlikely to ever reproduce on her own. Her valuable genes were at risk of never being passed on. Izzy, the surrogate, is less genetically valuable and is not currently recommended to breed, but she was hand-raised as a cub and very comfortable with keepers, which made her a good candidate as a surrogate cheetah mom.
The success of this groundbreaking procedure would not have been possible without the incredible dedication, collaboration and scientific expertise of the teams at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and the ColumbusZoo and Aquarium, said Tom Stalf, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The additional knowledge we gained throughout this process will serve as an importantresource in the future, and we are proud towork with our zoological colleagues on perfecting innovative methods that ultimately can have a direct impacton protecting rare species like cheetahs.
In December 2019, about a month after the procedure, veterinarians at the Columbus Zoo detected two fetuses on an ultrasound. Cheetah pregnancies typically last between 90 and 96 days. Izzy was monitored closely during her pregnancy and received regular ultrasounds and radiographs. Veterinarians and keepers at the Columbus Zoo noticed Izzy began showing signs she was in labor Wednesday, Feb. 19. The cubs were born later that evening at 9:50 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.They have been observed nursing, and the first-day birth weights were 480 grams for the male and 350 grams for the female.
SCBI scientists have been studying IVF and embryo transfer in cheetahs for 15 years. In 2005, they began working on collecting and inseminating oocytes, or eggs, in the lab. By 2011, they were able to harvest eggs and fertilize them and routinely produce embryos. Embryo transfer was the next step in their research.
We have been performing artificial inseminations in cheetahs for decades, and there hasnt been a cub born in almost 20 years, said Adrienne Crosier, cheetah biologist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and one of the scientists who performed the embryo transfer. Just the fact that we were successful with embryo transfer after only the third attempt gives me hope for the future of this technique for improving cheetah management, potentially on a global scale. This is a huge scientific breakthrough and, in many ways, is much better because it gives us much more flexibility with limited genetic material. This is an amazing milestone for cheetahswe can extend a cheetahs biological clock.
Approximately one-third of the cheetah population living in zoos is removed from the breeding matrix due to age, health or behavior, and cheetahs ability to reproduce after 8 years of age declines significantly. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Cheetah Species Survival Plan (SSP) has been working to increase the number of cubs born each year and maximize the effective breeding population, or the number of individuals contributing genetically to offspring.
For me, the birth of these IVF cubs is a significant breakthrough for cheetah reproduction, but the implications are enormous, said Pierre Comizzoli, a reproductive biologist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and one of the scientists who performed the embryo transfer. We continue to improve our understanding of fertility and develop new tools for other species. This is how we make rapid progress with rare and endangered species. One species breakthrough opens the door for another.
Nearly all cheetahs recommended breeding by the SSP live at large off-exhibit facilities like SCBI, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and The Wilds, which can care for more cats and collectively manage tens of thousands of acres, which has increased the number of cubs born each year. Embryo transfer will help ensure that more cheetahs breed contributing to the genetic diversity of the population and its sustainability. Male cheetahs can father cubs with the females who are their best genetic matches without having to move to the same zoos or facilities as the females. Scientists can collect sperm samples from males, freeze them and then use the sperm for embryo transfer at any point in the future.
Cheetahs are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. During the past 50 years, cheetahs have become extinct in at least 13 countries in Africa, and there are about 7,500 cheetahs remaining in the wild. Habitat destruction, conflict with humans and hunting have caused their numbers to decline.
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute plays a leading role in the Smithsonians global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. SCBI spearheads research programs at its headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia, the Smithsonians National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and at field research stations and training sites worldwide. SCBI scientists tackle some of todays most complex conservation challenges by applying and sharing what they learn about animal behavior and reproduction, ecology, genetics, migration, and conservation sustainability.
The Southern Maryland Chronicle is a local, small business entrusted to provide factual, unbiased reporting to the Southern Maryland Community.While we look to local businesses for advertising, we hope to keep that cost as low as possible in order to attract even the smallest of local businesses and help them get out to the public. We must also be able to pay employees(part-time and full-time), along with equipment, and website related things. We never want to make the Chronicle a pay-wall style news site.
To that end, we are looking to the community to offer donations. Whether its a one-time donation or you set up a reoccurring monthly donation. It is all appreciated. All donations at this time will be going to furthering the Chronicle through hiring individuals that have the same goals of providing fair, and unbiased news to the community. For now, donations will be going to a business PayPal account I have set-up for the Southern Maryland Chronicle, KDC Designs. All business transactions currently occur within this PayPal account. If you have any questions regarding this you can email me at davidhiggins@southernmarylandchronicle.com
Thank you for all of your support and I hope to continue bringing Southern Maryland the best news possible for a very long time. David M. Higgins II
See more here:
First Cheetah Cubs Born as Result of Embryo Transfer - The Southern Maryland Chronicle
- Definition Of female reproductive system |Genetic ... [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Female - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Impact of Genetic Selection on Female Fertility - eXtension [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2015]
- X chromosome - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- How Chromosomes Determine Sex - About [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- Galaxy Of Genetic Differences Between Men & Women [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2015]
- Difference between Male and Female Chromosomes [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2015]
- Female Age and Chromosome Problems in Eggs and Embryos [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2015]
- Pathology and Genetics of Tumours of the Breast and Female ... [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2015]
- Sex - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2015]
- Sexual differentiation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2015]
- XY sex-determination system - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2015]
- The Female Form: Embrace Your Genetics and Find Beauty in ... [Last Updated On: August 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 21st, 2015]
- Female Hereditary Hair Loss Treatment & Genetic Testing ... [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2015]
- Female Infertility Genetic Causes | RSC New Jersey [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2015]
- Spectacular Genetic Anomaly Results in Butterflies with ... [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2015]
- Tortoiseshell cat - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- The Genetics of Calico Cats - Department of Biology [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- Human Genetics - Mendelian Inheritance 5 [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2016]
- Androgenetic alopecia - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2016]
- X chromosome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2016]
- Davis Angus Foss, Oklahoma [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2016]
- Y chromosome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: March 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 10th, 2016]
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory of Female Reproductive Cancer [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2016]
- Genetics and Inheritance - National Fragile X Foundation [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2016]
- Genetics - X Linked Problems - The Biology Corner [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Nicole Kush Female Cannabis Seeds by DNA Genetics and ... [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2016]
- A gay Gene - Is Homosexuality Inherited Assault On Gay ... [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2016]
- Cat coat genetics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2016]
- Cloning - Learn Genetics [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2016]
- Homosexuality - Conservapedia [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2016]
- Science & Health, Colleges Around Cincinnati, University ... [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2016]
- Elephant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2016]
- Supercourse: Epidemiology, the Internet, and Global Health [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2016]
- Glossary - PBS: Public Broadcasting Service [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2016]
- Male - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2016]
- Female - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2016]
- Mount Sinai Health System - New York City | Mount Sinai ... [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2016]
- Calico cat - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Mosaic (genetics) - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ... [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2016]
- Calico Cats - TheCatSite.com Community [Last Updated On: November 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2016]
- Physical attractiveness - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2016]
- XY sex-determination system - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Triple X syndrome - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2017]
- How African Americans Use DNA Testing to Connect With Their Past - The Atlantic [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Hughes benefit from Wagyu fertility and eating quality - Queensland Country Life [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Genetics Research Update - Island Eye News [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- DNA From Sperm Of Ex Partners Lingers In Female Flies And ... [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Federal officials to review endangered status of Florida panther - Tampabay.com [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Why Women Have Stronger Immune Systems than Men [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Why does it seem like nobody cares about female concussions? - ESPN [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Geneticist says Florida panther still deserves endangered species protection - Tampabay.com [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- How the living world was changed, by the woman who changed it - New Scientist [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Sharks could hold genetic secret to long life: Study - The Hindu [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Weekly genetics review: Registrations on the up for most beef breeds - Beef Central [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- Orphan Black Science Recap: Guillotines Decide - The Mary Sue [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2017]
- Genetics honour to CQ Brahman breeder Alf Collins - Beef Central [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2017]
- Elad Gil and Silicon Valley's bright future in cryptocurrency, genetics and health tech - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2017]
- Top 6 myths about heart disease debunked - AsiaOne [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- About a new pest: the bagrada bug - Santa Fe New Mexican [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Researchers Prepare to Explore the Genetics of Gender Identity, With Caution - The Wire [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Embryo editing 'corrects' genetic heart condition - The Guam Daily Post [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Cycling and gender: how and why male and female cyclists need to train differently - Cycling Weekly [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- First human embryo editing experiment in US 'corrects' gene for heart condition - Washington Post [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Researchers Explore the Science of Gender Identity - NBCNews.com [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- Selecting at negative 9 months - High Plains Journal [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- Google Manifesto: Does Biology Explain Gender Disparities in Tech? - Live Science [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Damore Has Science On His Side - The American Conservative [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Memo to all tech bros: Sexism, not biology, holds women back - New Scientist [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Genetic strategies to reduce gilt feed and development costs - National Hog Farmer [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Dewmar International BMC, Inc. (DEWM) Announces Investment in New West Genetics, Better Than Expected Progress ... - Benzinga [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- No, the Google manifesto isn't sexist or anti-diversity. It's science - The Globe and Mail [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- Couples can tailor-make their babies - Khaleej Times [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- Sarah Bush Lincoln receives the 2017 Women's Choice Award - Journal Gazette and Times-Courier [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- A major blind spot in animal testing is endangering the lives of women - Quartz [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- Jonathan Hoffman: Pima County should butt out of medical decisions - Arizona Daily Star [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2017]
- Trans athletes should be able to compete in gender they identify with: centre for ethics in sport - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2017]
- Orphan Black Was Never About Cloning - Slate Magazine [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2017]
- Techly Explains: Are twins genetic? - Techly [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2017]
- How technology can deliver freedom from the male calf - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2017]